Obit: Smith, Leona M. (1933 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Smith, Schruam, Middlestead, Campbell, Serchen, Carlisle, Jennerman, Siedler, Chaltry, Weber, Hendrickson, Forgein, Gburek, Marksstrum, Loutt, Schlauch, Speidel, Dobber, Raul

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/22/2015

Smith, Leona M. (29 October 1933 - 14 April 2015)

Leona Smith, 81, of Greenwood passed away peacefully, with her children at her side, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at Stoney River Facility of Marshfield.

She was born Oct. 29, 1933, in Dickey County, ND, the daughter of Adolph and Elizabeth (Schruam) Middlestead. Leona was raised and graduated school in Monago, ND. During her teenage years she worked as a candy-striper at the Ellendale Hospital/Nursing Home.

Leona was united in marriage to Kenneth E. Smith June 9, 1953, in North Dakota. Leona and Kenneth moved to the Neillsville area in 1954. They worked alongside each other farming for many years. During 1966 thru 1972 she also really enjoyed being an Avon representative. In 1972, they relocated to Ladysmith, where they owned and managed Lamar’s Fashion Shop and she offered seamstress services. In 1974, they returned to farming in the Greenwood area. Later, Leona was employed as a cook for Lamar Schmitz’s café in Neillsville. In 1978 she started working as fryer/baker at Mallegni’s Foods of Neillsville. Leona continued working there through various owners - United Foods, Steve Bell, and Burnstad’s and more than 25 years with Marty’s Foods, retiring at the age of 78.

Leona appreciated participating in the Christie area Ladies Sewing Circle. Crocheting, fabric painting and drawing were some of her other interests. She also took pleasure in horseback riding, especially with one of her favorite Shetland ponies, Prince. In later years, Leona found delight with her miniature horses. She also enjoyed dining out with family and friends.

She will be remembered by her three children, Mary Ellen Campbell, Neillsville, Elizabeth A. (Dave) Serchen, Marshfield, and Charles E. (Sue Carlisle) Smith, Merrillan; grandchildren: Michael J. Campbell, Cypress, TX,. Jason E. (Jody) Jennerman, Pickett, Clifford H. (Peggy Siedler) Jennerman, Marshfield, and Darrell (Kimberly) Chaltry, Marshfield; great-grandchildren: Austin and Abby Jennerman and Lily and Riley Chaltry; honorary daughter, Kathy Weber, Houston, TX; and honorary granddaughters, Patty Hendrickson, Marathon, and Kissy Hendrikson, Houston, TX. Also surviving is her sister Mabel (Art) Forgein of Jamestown, ND, along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; Dave Serchen; Sue Carlisle; good friends, Norm Gburek and Peter Marksstrum; her parents; sisters: Emily (Walter) Loutt, Matilda (Otto) Schlauch, Ida (Chris) Speidel, Esther (George) Dobber, Edna (John) Dobber, Evelyn (Maynard) Raul; brothers: Alfred (Murial) Middlestead, Adolph Middlestead, Walter (Edna) Middlestead, Oscar (Annette) Middlestead and Jacob Middlestead.

Funeral services for Leona were held Saturday, April 18, 2015, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Leona’s family with funeral arrangements.